The role of J. Maitland`s American slang dictionary in the formation of the USA lexicography on slang

The article presents the results of the sociolexicographic analysis of structural organization and registration mechanism of dictionary entries in The American slang dictionary by J. Maitland. A number of social-stylistic, ethno-stylistic, structural, semantic, historical-etymological features of English Afro-American sociolect nomination are presented. The total number of actual lexicographic instruments relevant to the dictionary entries` comments is systemized with due regard to their active position. The obtained data make it possible to assess the role of J.Maitland`s American Slang Dictionary in the formation of the USA lexicography on slang.